I said before that cruising around in a zodiac is a great way to see wildlife, so today I’ll share a few photos from our cruise around Detaille Island. Yes, this post is all seals!

While you can see a lot from the ship, it’s not a great angle to photograph from. Looking down on a subject doesn’t give the same intimacy and connection that an eye-level image does. Zodiacs are great for getting low to the water, and close to the wildlife without being too intrusive.

Check out that core strength! Under the layers of blubber, seals are all muscle, which makes them beautifully strong swimmers. This guy kept an eye on us as we approached, and then settled down for a nap in the morning sun.

Cute and furry, but you probably wouldn’t want to cuddle one. You know, if you like having your face attached. That grin says it all!

In the water, seals are sleek and graceful. On land they turn into wiggly sausages that aren’t that great at getting around. That said, they’re perfectly adapted to their environment, and those layers of blubber keep them nice and warm despite the sub-zero temperatures.

How close can you get to seals on a Zodiac? Sometimes, too close! Close enough to get detailed close-ups. I love the sleek texture of their fur, and the sharp little claws at the tip of their flippers. Seals are really engaging photographic subjects, and in Antartica, a zodiac cruise was the best way to photograph them.